NFL Playoff Preview: Falcons vs. Cardinals

The Atlanta Falcons will be looking to continue their improbable run on Saturday when they take on the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium in a Wild-Card Round matchup.

Oddsmakers currently have the Falcons listed as 1½-point favorites versus the Cardinals, while the game’s total is sitting at 51.

The Falcons defeated St. Louis 31-27 as a 14-point favorite in Week 17. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (44.5).

Michael Turner rushed for 208 yards with a touchdown on 25 carries for Atlanta, while Jerious Norwood rushed for 56 yards and two touchdowns on only three carries.

The Cardinals defeated Seattle 34-21 as a 7-point favorite in Week 17. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (47).

Kurt Warner passed for 263 yards with four touchdowns and an interception for Arizona, while Larry Fitzgerald caught five passes for 120 yards with two touchdowns in the win.

Team records:
Atlanta: 11-5 SU, 9-7 ATS
Arizona: 9-7 SU, 9-7 ATS

Atlanta most recently:
When playing in January are 4-6
When playing on grass are 4-6
After outgaining opponent are 4-6
When playing outside the division are 8-2

Arizona most recently:
When playing in January are 3-6
When playing on grass are 5-5
After out gaining opponent are 6-4
When playing outside the division are 3-7

A few trends to consider:
Atlanta is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta’s last 6 games when playing on the road against Arizona
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta’s last 5 games on the road
Atlanta is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Arizona’s last 10 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Arizona’s last 6 games
Arizona is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Arizona’s last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta